The Los Angeles Rams made the decision to trade wide receiver Tavon Austin to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. It has effectively ended his tenure with the Rams after five seasons.
There had been no premonition that the Rams were looking to move Austin during the draft for any late round draft picks. In fact, it was a trade that completely caught the 28-year-old completely off-guard, according to Todd Archer of ESPN:
“I definitely didn’t see this coming at all, but it’s the business side of football and the NFL,” Austin said on a conference call. “I’m definitely appreciative of my opportunities that I have and I’m just glad it’s the Dallas Cowboys.”
Although it wasn’t an expected move, there were telling signs that the team was leaning toward moving on from Austin at some point in the near future. There were persistent rumors earlier this offseason that the Rams were gauging the league for possible interest in the former first-round selection.
Los Angeles had been able to rework his deal for the 2018 season, but the addition of Brandin Cooks from the New England Patriots earlier this month made it quite clear that the team had no major role in mind for him. His departure now signals that the Rams are moving forward with their current group at the wide receiver position led by Cooks, Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, and Josh Reynolds to lead the charge.
Austin has an opportunity in front of him to get his career back on track with a chance to secure a major role in the passing game in Dallas. He possesses a unique skill set with the ability to stretch the field with his speed and work well in tight spaces to create separation and big plays as both a receiver and runner.
